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Tesserax
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Apple Product Service / Genius Bar Appointment

by:  Tesserax
Last modified: Jul 1, 2022 3:14 PM
0 11915 Last modified Jul 1, 2022 3:14 PM

Do you have an Apple product that needs to be serviced? If so, try these steps to make the overall process as easy as possible:


STEP 1

First see if your Apple product is still covered under a warranty or AppleCare+ service plan:

  • Check Your Service and Support Coverage - Apple Support
    • This link does not actually provide the device's purchase date. However, it does provide an Estimated Expiration Date" for when the support coverage will end … which, of course, you can work backwards from to get a date "close enough" for when it was purchased.
    • If you get a "We're unable to validate your product's purchase date" warning, go here:
    • "Invalid Serial Number" This message generally indicates that the device you have was serviced or even replaced prior to your ownership. If you purchased this device new and have never had it serviced or replaced, then contact Apple Support and they can correct this error for you. Just be aware that they may require that you provide a copy of your purchase receipt to show that you're the original owner/purchaser. If you purchased this device second hand, then it's likely that the original owner had the device replaced but did not return this device to Apple as they should have. If this is the case, they should not have sold the device and you should make an attempt to return it for a refund.
    • On iOS/iPadOS devices, to check to see what coverage you have, go to Settings > General > About. It should be shown just below the serial number.


If you need to send it to the US for service, you can NOT ship it to Apple. You will have to send it to an actual person that you know in the US and have them take it in for service. Apple will not accept an international shipment, nor will they ship in back to you. -- credit: KiltedTim ASC Added: This would hold true regardless of which country your originally purchased your Apple product in.


Most official Apple repairs involve the use of refurbished parts with some exceptions. When a new model is released Apple may use a brand new Logic Board in a repair, but this would only last until the new repair stock of parts has been exhausted after which only refurbished boards will be used (unless someone finds a new board that was overlooked). The smaller components like a speaker, battery, I/O Boards, cables, etc. will be new parts. It is hard to say about some of the larger components (Display, Top Case) whether Apple is able to refurbish bits of them or whether they would be all new, however, these parts always look like new in external appearance. --credit: HWTech ASC 


STEP 2

To get an idea of the potential cost:

 

STEP 3

See if there is an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider in your area:


STEP 4

What to do BEFORE you take your Apple device in for servicing:


STEP 5

Finally, make a Genius Bar appointment at your local Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider and take your phone in, OR contact Apple Support directly. They should be able to provide you with a free estimate for any repair costs.

  • Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple
    • Note: You can only make 1-week ahead appointments either via the web link above or with an AppleCare+ phone call. The time frame is longer if you go to the Apple Store in-person to make the appointment


How to schedule a repair at an Apple Store or an Apple Authorized Service Provider


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